Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon has endorsed Measure 26-108, saying:
"Usually, EMO does not take positions on local ballot measures. We do, however, sometimes make exceptions when a ballot measure seems to have statewide or national significance and is of unusual importance. After evaluating this measure, we feel it does have both statewide and national significance. The movement to reduce the influence of wealthy donors in public elections is ongoing at a local, state and national level, and a defeat of this measure would be a setback with ramifications beyond Portland. Additionally, because, as people of faith, we believe the election system must recognize the fundamentally equal worth of all people before God, and because we believe we have an important role to play in protecting the interests of the poor and vulnerable, we believe it is consistent with our religious values to support the voter-owned election system established in Portland. We recognize there have been problems with one or two candidates who inappropriately made use of public funds in elections held under this relatively new system. However, after those problems came to light, changes have been made to reduce the opportunities for further abuses. As Portland grows and becomes even more diverse as a city, it becomes increasingly important to encourage candidates from a variety of backgrounds including worthy candidates who may not have sufficient funding, either personally or in their network of acquaintances—to fund a campaign in the absence of public financing. For these reasons, we endorse Measure 26-108, and urge a YES vote on voter-owned elections."
Along with a growing list of religious leaders, I also urge a YES vote on Measure 26-108.
